Young woman is confirmed by priest

Catholic Confirmation Explained

Confirmation is a sacrament of initiation which completes baptism through sealing in the Holy Spirit and anoints the recipient as priest, prophet, and king.

Who Can Receive Confirmation?

In the Catholic Church, anyone that has been baptized properly can and should be confirmed.

What is Catholic Confirmation?

Confirmation is a Sacrament in the Catholic Church in which the one who is confirmed (confirmandi) receives the gifts of the Holy Spirit through the imposition of hand and anointing with oils by the bishop. It’s considered a sacrament of initiation which means that it brings you deeper into communion with the Church.

Who Administers Confirmation?

Bishops are the original ministers of Confirmation along with other Catholic sacraments (Lumen Gentium 26).

“Bishops are the successors of the apostles. They have received the fullness of the sacrament of Holy Orders. The administration of this sacrament by them demonstrates clearly that its effects is to unite those who receive it more closely to the Church, her apostolic origins, and her mission of bearing witness to Christ.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 1313)

In the Eastern churches (non-Latin rites) the priest is the ordinary minister of this sacrament and performs it immediately after baptism. However, it is performed with chrism oil that has been consecrated by the bishop expressing the apostolic unity. In the Latin rite (which is the largest of all rites) the bishop is the ordinary minister. Read about the history of Confirmation.

In the west, most churches have the Bishop come and visit the local parish to confirm an entire class (age group) of students who spent the year preparing for confirmation. However, the Bishop can also ‘delegate’ his apostolic authority to perform the sacrament of confirmation to the local priest who is then able to administer the sacrament without the bishop having to be present.

How many times can one be Confirmed?

“Like Baptism which it completes, Confirmation is given only once, for it too imprints on the soul an indelible spiritual mark, the ‘character,’ which is the sign that Jesus Christ has marked a Christian with the seal of his Spirit by clothing him with power from on high so that he may be his witness.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1304)

In other words, just once! It’s a permanent thing that is fully completed and doesn’t expire.

What is the matter and form of Confirmation?

Catholic Confirmation is performed with the ordinary minister extending his hand over the one to be confirmed and anointing his/her head with the oil of chrism saying, “be sealed with the Holy Spirit.” The actual Confirmation ceremony is much longer than this, but this is the “meat” of the action. The oil of chrism is consecrated by the bishop at the Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday and is reserved for special things like Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Orders, blessing of tower bells, consecration of churches, altars, chalices and patens.

What are the effects of Confirmation?

In short, it is the full outpouring of the Holy Spirit as once granted to the apostles on the day of Pentecost. Confirmation brings Catholics a deepening of baptismal grace and unites us more firmly to Christ. It increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit and leaves an indelible mark on the soul just like baptism.

What are the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit?

The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit received through Confirmation are

  1. Wisdom,
  2. Understanding,
  3. Knowledge,
  4. Fortitude or Courage,
  5. Counsel,
  6. Piety or Love, and
  7. Fear of the Lord.

Where is this sacrament found in Scripture?

Anointing with oil is an ancient Biblical tradition originating in the old testament with the Jewish people. The Jews had a messiah and it was usually their king at the time, however they were also awaiting a greater messiah, one that would deliver them and raise them up. This messiah happened to be Jesus. The sign of the Messiah was that he was royal and messiahs were put in their position by being anointed with oil and an appointment from God. This tradition carried on in Christianity with the teaching of the sharing in Christ’s messiahship and his royal priesthood. In fact, the first example of Catholic Confirmation can be found in Acts 8:14-17.

What does a Confirmation sponsor do?

Confirmation sponsors “bring the candidates to receive the sacrament, present them to the minister for anointing, and will later help them fulfill their baptismal promises faithfully under the influence of the Holy Spirit whom they have received.” (Rite of Confirmation, 5)

There are a few requirements to be a Confirmation sponsor. They must be spiritually fit to take on their responsibility which is evidenced by

  1. sufficient maturity to fulfill their function;
  2. membership in the Catholic Church and having received all of the sacraments of initiation (baptism, confirmation, and eucharist);
  3. freedom from any impediment of law to fulfilling the office of sponsor. This means that a sponsor must be in good standing with the Church (no public dissent, believes in the teachings of the Church, and in full communion with the Church).

Since a sponsor has such a significant role to play in the development of a confirmation candidate it is important that this person be one who is a living example of faith, one whose actions reflect the actions of Jesus. A confirmation sponsor offers support and encouragement during the confirmation preparation process.

Confirmation sponsors need not be of the same gender as the candidate nor do they need to be from the same family. As long as they fulfill the requirements above it can really be anyone.

How do I choose a sponsor?

Think carefully about someone you know who meets the criteria above. The Church encourages us to consider our godparents as sponsors for confirmation. Confirmation’s strong connection to baptism makes one’s godparent to be a natural choice if this person meets the requirements above. If you do not know someone who meets the criteria above or they are not able to sponsor you then discuss your options with the confirmation coordinator at your parish to see if they can find someone suitable. Often members of the parish will volunteer for those who are unable to find a suitable sponsor.

The sacrament of confirmation is the way for a Catholic to attain full membership in the Catholic Church. It is a beautiful sacrament that will instill God’s grace within you to strengthen and sustain you in your journey of faith.

117 thoughts on “Catholic Confirmation Explained”

  1. Michelle Petersen

    Hope you guys can help me.

    I am in a position where my daughter (16 now) did’nt attent “pre confirmation” class last year as set out according to the “rules” of the church, so this year she has been denied the sacrament of confirmation due to that. However as I have explained to the cathecist, I had an issue with my daughter last year, school, emotionally she was’nt doing well, struggling with issues of faith and started rebelling but all the other years she attented. I even had her under a psychologist. By the grace of God she came around spirituallly, mentally and acknowledge that she was doing wrong. She really wanted to finish the sacrament of confirmation but was told that the needs to complete pre confirmation class first. We are already living in a world where children are so sensitive re: alcohol, suicides etc. Why deny or delay a child that right? Is it really fair?

    I have also approached our parish priest but unfortunately he feels the same. Last week my daughter was in tears and after Sundays serves she feels she is not going back to the church at all. Do I know really force my child to conform to what the church requires of her and make her unhappy or have a setback or just let it be as I have only really gotten her back to be on the straight and narrow.

    Thanks

    A concerned mother from Boksburg South Africa

    1. Jesus said ‘Let the children come to me and do not stop them’. In my opinion, anyone who refuses confirmation to a child who wants it is directly responsible for driving them away from the Church. As such Jesus said it would be better for them ‘if a millstone were tied to their neck and they were thrown into the sea’.

      However, I can understand a priest wanting to know that the reformation of your daughter was permanent and sincere, so if a reasonable route-map to confirmation can be agreed, your daughter should understand that any extra classes or requirements are a part of the consequences of her actions, and her accepting this is a sign of the sincerity of her repentance.

      I hope that you, your daughter, the Church and the Lord can find a way through in grace. Amen

  2. Okwuokei Fidelia – The saints are real people, part of the congregation and the living body of Christ and so if you should now seek develop a relationship with a particular saint as a mentor and prayer partner in your life through the love of God they are there for you. Just as through our lives we meet and learn to love new friends, a catholic who seeks them out will meet, learn from, and grow to love new saints.

  3. if I choose to become a Catholic, do I need to take part in the Holy Communion though I did it when I was 12 years old in the Church of England?

  4. When you stated, “In fact, the first example of Catholic Confirmation can be found in Acts 8:14-17.”
    This is not true. In the scripture, they were JEWS, not catholics. They prayed that the Ruach HaKodesh MIGHT be given to those who believed the wonders that were performed by Phillip. Simon also performed wonders by sorcery, and he believed the wonders from GOD, but he had a crooked heart. GOD gives the Holy Spirit to those HE chooses.
    People can say they believe, but the LORD examines our hearts.
    Catholicism is doctrine. No man can give anyone the Holy Spirit or forgive sins. Repent to GOD yourselves. Jesus is the only mediator to HIM, not Mary, not anyone. HE said that no on can get to the Father except through HIM. HALLELUJAH to THE LAMB of GOD who sacrificed Himself for the atonement for our sins!

  5. please i want to change my comfirmation name,the name i used doesnt have a meaning and my bishop said nothing about it because we where much….please is it possible?i dont know if i would get a reply

    1. Okwuokei Fidelia – The saints are real people, part of the congregation and the living body of Christ and so if you should now seek develop a relationship with a particular saint as a mentor and prayer partner in your life through the love of God they are there for you. Just as through our lives we meet and learn to love new friends, a catholic who seeks them out will meet, learn from, and grow to love new saints.

  6. I sent all 6 of my children to a catholic school so they would get taught the sacraments and have good faith values in our society. The teachers there did a wonderful job of teaching Catholicism to all children receiving the sacraments.
    I am having a real hard time understanding why, the children of today, who are to be preparing for their 1st Holy Communion and/ or Confirmation, need to go to classes outside of our Catholic School System. Why are they no longer being taught in our schools???
    In particular, in our church, those who will be confirmed are needing to go to church every week and sign in, and then once a month they must go to a 4 hour class for several months to be taught the Catholic faith. What happens to those children who are left behind? First off, they will not be taught the same religion as their other classmates. They may have parents who cannot find the time to bring them, or they need to work to make ends meet, or the parents don’t care. Whatever the case, why punish the children. Why not teach this religion to all the students so they are all aware of how important their faith is. Allow all the students to receive the sacraments. Who knows what will trigger a child. Maybe not today or next year but possibly when they marry someone or start having children. Faith never gets lots, it can only help make us better individuals.
    Can we not go back to having our Catholic Schools be more accountable in teaching all of our children their faith and sacraments. Isn’t that why we have our separate school system in place? It wasn’t that long ago, when our churches were filled with families of all ages. Now our Catholic churches, only consist of the older, stronger faith worshipers.
    Instead of trying to be welcoming and bringing more individuals/families to our churches, we are turning them away from our beliefs. They are either going to other more welcoming places of worship or not going at all.
    Didn’t Jesus welcome all the little children and ask us not to judge on this earth as we will all be judged when we reach the Pearly Gates.

    1. One of the key problems with our children being taught in the Catholic school system friend is predominantly that idiots that one might call Cival Liberarians have taken over the world with their policitically correct crap AND now we are forced to employ teachers of any faith in Catholic School System! WHEN experienced teachers and dedicated Catholics like myself cannot get a job in our Parish schools!

      1. Many of the teachers in our current Catholic system have no faith or are have no belief in the Catholic way of life. Many of them don’t support traditional family and family values! How are they supposed to teach our kids about being Catholic? It’s a joke!!

  7. When you are Confirmed does the church see you as an adult?? Like within the church. I know that when you’re 18 you are an actual adult.
    Can someone explain this to me??

      1. Actually, the vast majority of Catholics will never receive all 7 sacraments..

        The 7 sacraments are:

        Baptism
        Confirmation (also known as Chrismation)
        The Eucharist
        Reconciliation (also known as Penance or Confession)
        Holy Matrimony
        Holy Orders (ministerial priesthood)
        The Annointing of the Sick

        So, basically you’d have to be a married priest, or an ordained widowed man to be able to receive all 7 sacraments.

        Hope that helps. God bless!

    1. Hello, i am a Teacher’s Assistant for Catechism and we were just talking about this last week in our class. The answer is no. However, confirmation will show that you have matured in your faith, meaning that as a Catholic you should try to help the Church as much as possible, by doing things such as altar serving, becoming a lector, etc.You will still be considered a child, if you are taking classes for catechism. The only exception would be is if you are confirmed as an adult.

  8. My sponsor was not Catholic when I was confirmed. Does this mean I am not confirmed? If I am not confirmed what do I do to correct the situation? Do I need to be confirmed over again? Or do I need to get a blessed somehow? I was confirmed about 45 years ago.

    1. haVING A SPONSSOR THAT IS NOT CATHOLIC ASHOULD NOT BE AN ISSUE NOR A REQUIREMENT!!!! AS LONG AS THE SPONSER IS AN ACTIVE MEMBER OF THE CHURCH , AND FOLLOWS THE SAME SACRAMENTS THERE SHOULD BE NO ISSUES
      THAT SOUNDS LIKE DISCRIMINATION TO ME

      1. Not all Christian churches believe that the host is the actual body of Christ, nor the wine consecrated is His blood. It isn’t discrimination.

  9. Not sure if anyone will respond, providing the dates of posting and replies. However, I’m going to try my luck! This year both my son and daughter will be getting sacraments. My son, holy communion. My daughter, confirmation.
    Where I am torn is what is with all these rules and regulations around attendance, already being threatened to get kicked out if u don’t attend classes. Three strikes, you’re out is what they imply. Also not respecting parental schedules in terms of work! Catechism classes one day and time. Then having to attend mass another time or day! This to me seems disorganized.
    What happened to the acceptance of anyone with the faith? Since when do all these rules provide us with a sense of belonging, or faith or even a desire to stay in religion?!
    In my time the catholic schools would help in preparation for these sacraments. From what I understand the Catholic schools and church work together in preparation and that the church is responsible for the “immediate” preparation of that specific sacrament? Where is this being applied, with over 20 catechism classes. Masses, retreats, volunteer services. Where is the church trying to work with the parents.
    Life is so much more hectic than 30 plus years ago! I’m not challenging th faith! I’m challenging the true motives behind all these obligations? We are offering ourselves o be part of the church and it seems that once we are in, we are feared to not leave. Feared to partake or else. And then contribute financially!
    How is the Catholic Church now any different from let’s say a neighbouring cult?
    Frankly, I have become turned off by the church. I was excited to partake and continue but after this week and dealing with the initial meeting with the church, I have having serious second thoughts about allowing my kids to partake and even contemplating in staying with the church!
    Why have my kids attend a Catholic school if the church does not wish to collaborate? Why do my kids have to be forced twice to learn about the Catholic Church? You cannot obligate anyone or threaten them! Isn’t that what faith is? To build trust, to build a faith. You cannot build a “forced” community. That seems quite cultic to me. Are we not suppose to open our hearts and arms to everyone? Are we not suppose to express the freedom of expression even within the church?
    I know for a fact that these practices are not the same with every church and that these obligations are not practiced or encouraged with other parishes. Is this right? Can each individual parish do as they want? If there are “rules” or guidelines should they not also do the same? Is this a power struggle? A means to get more money? Politics within the parishes and catchment areas?

    I am not looking to be bashed here and I feel I have a right to my opinion and questions. I also apologize for any grammatical or spelling errors as when you are typing with passion little typo errors seem insignificant.
    Thank you!

    1. I also forgot to add the actual signed contracts that both my 7 yr old and 13 yr old had to sign, read aloud and vow to partake! And that this is first time my son is really becoming involved with the church and he walked out crying because father made him read and promise and he was scared! Is this what it means to be in the faith? Completely torn, feeling betrayed!

    2. Follow your gut! They use fear and intimidation to steer people into forcing their children into signing contracts they don’t even possess the cognitive capability to understand. All they want is control of your entire family, mind, body, and soul, and they will do anything to get it so a percentage of your income stays within their control. People within the church regularly trust church members they don’t even know with their children simply because they feel obligated to respect those who are of a higher authority within the church. What does that sound like to you? A cult? 400 priests were defrocked by the current pope for child molestation. 400! You need to tread lightly for the sake of your children. I don’t know abut you, but I am not willing to gamble with mine. I believe deep within your heart you know I am stating the truth, but outside community pressure is propably weighing on you. Most people won’t admit it, but they would rather sacrifice their children than look bad in the eyes of the church. I am not one of those people.

    3. Blessings Nancy.
      We are pulled in a lot of different directions by many different time priorities.
      As Catholics, living for and with God is our first priority and everything else is second.

      Peparation for First Eucharist, Reconciliation & Confirmation began at baptism.
      Each day since baptisms is a day lived in thanksgiving for the redeming love and mercy of Jesus.
      It is our destiny as Catholics.

      When the year comes that we actually receive the sacraments, Jesus and His disciples are called to bring our sons and daughters into a deep spiritual journey. In other words, each day is focused on being in communion with the church, through the parish you worship with. Prayer, scripture, and service in the parish is seen as the sacred commitment each Catholic gives to live His will, not ours.

      Confirmation celebrates the fullness of the Holy Spirit in the Church. The Spirit of Jesus, the same Spirit that transformed the apostles, comes upon the members of the Church. According to the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, through Confirmation Catholics are “more perfectly bound to the Church” and are “as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread the faith by word and deed.” Confirmation seals believers in the Spirit, anointing them and empowering them to carry on the mission of Christ.

    4. Dear Nancy,

      Yes, life is more hectic for most families than it was 30 years ago. Now might be a good time to set some priorities for you and your family. In my town, Faith Formation classes are held at one set time a week for grades 6-9, and we have a choice of one of two days for grades 1-5. These classes are taught by volunteers who give up not just class time, but many hours of preparation for class as well. I consider it a privilege to have other adults helping me teach the Catholic faith to my children. These classes take priority over sports, parties, etc. In my home, it is clear that Church comes first. It might not always be the popular choice, considering my husband does not share my faith and would rather the kids not miss a game, but I need to send a clear message to my children. We have three Masses at our church to choose from. Mass is also a priority as we are called to come together and worship. I think your church might have been pushed to the place they are at with signing contracts because some parents just think their kids should receive the sacraments without actually preparing for them adequately. Does Harvard give out degrees for those who pay tuition but don’t do the work, or any college for that matter?

  10. Catholic church is the best world wide, I have discovered a lot of demonic manifestations in some so called Protestant church who despises my sweet Catholic, some of their altar has human blood, animal blood and head in the name of performing miracles, the wash their eyes in order to see, what an idol worshiping, I regretted going out of Catholic to join Protestant, I love blessed virgin Mary, I honour her because God first honour her, if you can call your pastor daddy, and her wife mummy to honour them, why don’t you honour the woman through which a saviour was born, if your can honour your ordinary earthly mother why wouldn’t you honour the most blessed of all can your mother give to Jesus?

    1. You are mistaken the catholic church is radical
      It is without doubt the most politicaly motivated, financialy corrupt, morally bankrupt institution on earth, filled with perverse cover ups starting with that antichrist you call the pope. And remember you are NOT the established church in this country and could be closed down at any given time

      1. 1) Why are you even on this website, since you appear to despise the Catholic Church so much? Weird! 2) I am a convert and can tell you that you know nothing about the church. The focus is God and nothing else. There is no church where you will feel the presence of Jesus, when you walk in the door like you do in the Catholic Church. If your focus is hate and evil, then you will see hate and evil.

    2. It’s funny to see all of these remarks. Don’t need to know each other to have different view point. I just think that it is another ritual to enable faith to grow but maybe I am wrong. I myself would want to understand the meaning of it, but more than often it seems things become clearer with time. So, yea kids don’t have the cognitive ability to understand these rituals. The hussle and bussle of dealing with people, appointments keeping is a all different kettle of fish… Apooologies for misspelt wordsss.

  11. Is it right for a priest or a bishop if I may state to ‘stop’ someone from been confirmed because he or she failed an exam based on confirmation?

  12. No such thing as eucharist. Not even in the bibke. No such word you will ever fjnd, All made up by a man..And Mary made no sufficient sacrufuce. She was just chosen by God to have achild. But she was blessed. That’s all. Just blessed. She made no sacrifice..

    1. Ok then “JonnyB” that snot your really your name, you are in school so your smarter than this person but you don’t need to stop during a Religion lesson to type this whilst sitting next to your friends laughing.

    2. J Byrd, Yes there has been a “name change”, from “commemoration of the blessing and sharing of the Body and Blood of Christ” into “Eucharist”.

      To be honest, there is no naming of Confirmation, Reconciliation, Holy Orders or Blessing of the Sick. They are all described in the collection of books now known as the Holy Bible but some are obscured by the description.

      Mary made a sacrifice, the biggest a young lady could make, it’s also amazing that Joseph stood by her, how many young men today hear their girlfriend is pregnant stay by them? Also, in a time where having a child out of wedlock was a bad thing, she may have been abused by her neighbours and family.

      To all those others finding things to ridicule in J Byrd’s post, please remember, we live in a Worldwide society, because the name is typically Anglo-Saxon/Old English, does not mean the poster is English/American/Australian etc. Also, because you may have had a good education, does not mean that the others on websites have.

      “This I command you, to love one another.” (John (RSV) 15:17)

    3. It’s true, she didn’t “sacrufuce” as you have correctly pointed out, but she sacrificed herself to carry out the work of the Lord.

    4. Why comment on simple typing errors & resort to sarcasm. They speak thevtruth & Catholics cant stand the truth, hence persecutiin if Galileo,the Bible tranlators & printers etc while idolizing stupid rituals & “saint” icons. Not to mention the huge percentage of paedophile priests who abuse children- all covered up by the Vatican. No wonder the priest Martin Luther protested at such corruption & buying favours & salvation in order that the Vatican get richer. Catholicism is still riddled with heresy & corruption with a largely apathetic, uneducated gullible congregation – poor souls

    5. You have no right being on this page if you just want to talk through your trashy mouth. If you have nothing nice about God don’t say it. I am a 16 year old girl and I don’t like it if someone talks trash to a loving God. Keep your thoughts to yourself.

    6. Christ took the cup, & giving thanks (EUCHARISTesas), gave it to the Disciples, saying, Drink of it all of you, for THIS IS MY BLOOD (touto gar esti to aima mon)… (Mt 26:27,28) So, ‘Eucharist…is My Blood’. And there are 37 more instances of the word. Also, EUCHARISTia is in the NT 15 times, e.g. 1Co 14:16, & EUCHARISTos once. A Catholic ‘made up’ all those vv.?

      And the Virgin Mary gave up her Son, her only child. To obey God, she stood by while He was humiliated, tortured, & murdered. That wasn’t a sacrifice? If a man is killed in a war, even Protestants can admit his mother sacrificed her son. Why would this much greater thing be lesser than that?

  13. Maggie you are so right, they contradict the bible spoken by JESUS himself. Shame on them….Even the priest is just a mere ma. He has two choices to go tom heaven or HELL. A MERE MAN THAT IS. I ONLY GO TO GOD FOR CONFESSION OF MY SKNS. NOT MAN. THERE IS NO MEDIATOR BETWEEN HOD AND MAN, SO WRONG TO TEACH FALSE DOCTRINES TO PEOPLE.. AND COMMUNION IS IN REMEMBRANCE OF CHRIST, HE IS ALIVE NOT DEAD….AND THEY ARE RE-CRUCIFY ING HIM OVER AND OVER DURING THEIR COMMUNION RITUAKS, ALL IT IS MUMBLING RUGUAKS, GOD CANNOT BE APPEASED TO THIS FALSE TEACHJNGS. SO SAD””’ RITUALS ALL RITUALS…GET INTO A BIBLE BASED CHURCH NOT A DEAD RELIGION. EITHER catholic or Christian…….

    1. ‘Confess your sins TO ONE ANOTHER’ (James 5:16).

      Christ is the 1 Mediator btw God & man (1Tm 2:15); you said NO mediator. B.t.w., ‘mediator’ means one who ‘does not belong to one party but to two or more’ (Thayer’s [Protestant] Greek Lexicon). Christ is the only One both God & Man. But there are many intercessors, e.g. Abraham (Ge 20), Moses (Nu 11:2), Job (Jb 42:8), & all the faithful (1Tm 2:1).

      Catholics absolutely affirm the eternal life of Christ. The remembrance was commanded by Him. He said, ‘Do this in memory (anamnesin) of Me’. Christ is a Jew, & in Jewish culture, memory is ‘making present’, i.e. bridging time. Thus ‘Zikaron Basalon [‘MEMORIES in the living rm’]…remembers the Holocaust and brings people together to hear from SURVIVORS and their children’. Or will you argue w/ them to say you know Jewish culture better & that ‘memorial’ cannot apply to those survivors? So since ‘He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to Him all are alive’ (Lk 20:38), we Byzantines pray ‘Memory Eternal’—God’s memory, not ours—in honor of the departed, that God will never blot out the memory as w/ Amalek (Ex 17:14), never blot out the name from the Book of Life (Rv 3:5).

      The only passage mentioning re-crucifixion is about ‘those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age—and then have fallen away’ (Hb 6:4–6). But where in the Bible (since you are ‘Bible-based’) do CATHOLICS ‘re-crucify Him over & over’?

      EVEN (kai) the first covenant had regulations of divine worship (dikaiomata latreias) and the earthly sanctuary (Hb 9:1). Dikaiomata latreias are, according to HELPS [Protestant] Word-studies, literally ‘judicially-approved act[s]’ of ‘technical, priestly-service’. That means something entirely different from ‘rituals’? The greater & better Covenant must have greater & better RITUALS. Where in the Bible are all of them, & the proof that all of them are in the Bible? But where in the Bible is it that everything has to be in the Bible? Do you have pews in your church? Do you pray w/ your eyes closed? Where are those in the Bible? You complain about mumbling—have you ever BEEN to a Divine Liturgy? It’s loud! And prayers are in the hymnal. And the words are in the VERNACULAR. And you can read all the prayers & hymns on the internet. Those that change, change only according to a regimented schedule (Typikon, Menaion, Lectionary…). We’ve been doing this for about 1600, 1700 yrs, since elaborations were made on what JAMES the DISCIPLE, APOSTLE, & BROTHER OF THE LORD gave us, according to the same rules. Doing it continually & uninterrupted & singing ‘Alleluia’ in joy, EVERY DAY since the Age of the Apostles, whom we obeyed to ‘stand fast, and hold the traditions which [we] have been taught, whether by [spoken] word, or [their] epistle (2Th 2:15), who gave US the Holy SPIRIT which we have ever maintained, but WE have the ‘dead religion’?

      ‘False teachings’? Prove it. And where is it IN the Bible that a church should be based ON the Bible? On the contrary, the church of the living God is the ‘pillar and foundation of the truth’ (1Tm 3:15) & the Bible is Truth. Where is it in the Bible that anyone w/o exousia is allowed to start a church? Your church is Bible-based? Your Bible is Catholic-Church-based! Where did your NT come from? Other Protestants, but ultimately? Handed down (what ‘Tradition’ means!) from Catholics. How can you trust Catholics to have handed down the Holy Scriptures to you UNCORRUPTED & COMPLETE, when you don’t trust Catholics for anything else? And ‘either catholic or Christian’ is a false dilemma: ‘Catholic’ means ‘universal’; you mean Christ didn’t est. His Church for the whole world?

  14. First of all, you have to be properly baptized. Catholics are in error by sprinkling, so the haven’t been baptized correct tly. Read the KJ version . In Mark Jesus plainly states Mark 1:10 And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him. In other words, when being baptized, you “For we are buried in the likeness of his death, and raised to walk in newness of life.” Simple.. First be properly baptized as Jesus was by submerging. Sprinkling is not a way of baptism.

    1. Ahh, the sweet ignorance of a little knowledge! J Byrd, if you study the history of the Roman Catholic Church then you will come across a document known as the Didache (the Teaching). This was written some time between the crucifixion and 150 AD. It was a unifying document that the Council of Hippo (AD393) would have ignored as common knowledge, so why bother insisting on it’s use?

      There are two things things that organise the “running” of the Church, Scripture and Tradition. Tradition is the things that the Church Father’s decreed, but weren’t necessarily in the books in the Bible. You have to remember that several documents, epistles and Gospels alike did not make it past Hippo into what we call the New Testament.

    2. You complain about rituals—what is it then to be ‘properly baptized’ if not a ritual? I WAS baptized by TRIPLE IMMERSION. All of us Eastern Christians are baptized this way, unless any are about to die but it’s impossible b/c they’re extremely sick, extremely injured, or stranded far away from enough water, & then it’s by POURING. Afterwards, we receive Chrismation, i.e. the Seal of the Gift of the Holy Spirit by anointing (2Co 1:21, Hb 1:9, 1Jn 2:20,27), a.k.a. Confirmation, but have you? And w/ what authority did King James have the Bible translated? BIBLICAL authority (exousia) comes from the laying on of hands (e.g. Ac 8:18,19) by someone else who has it, i.e. in Apostolic Succession. Biblically, the Bible is not an authority. Otherwise the scribes would have had authority, but they didn’t (Mt 7:29).

      Reading the (1611) KJV, according to the Sola Scriptura rules of well-meaning Protestants, is part of what turned me from an agnostic into a Catholic. They said ‘Scripture explains Scripture’, but I started wondering & asking, 1. ‘WHICH Scriptura, which translation is reliable enough to be “the sole rule of faith”, & ON WHAT BASIS?’ (KJV had been mentioned approvingly, but no one could say any version was completely reliable. Eventually I started reading the Wycliffe Bible in MIDDLE ENGLISH b/c it was the oldest I could understand, & maybe newer ones were more corrupted than it, but I was just guessing.) 2. ‘What are, e.g., the Mark of Cain, gopherwood, & the Urim & the Thummim?’ 3. ‘On what basis do you say the “Apocrypha” are “good to read but aren’t Holy Scripture”?’ 4. ‘Why does only 1 of your couple doz. churches in this county have a patron st & statues?’ 5. ‘Where is the incense? They (i.e. affiliated church in other state) said the churches here would have incense.’ (So did Mal 1:11!) 6. ‘Why do you claim prayers to sts are wrong when “Ye Watchers & Ye Holy Ones” is in your hymnal?’ (Bonus: it’s based on Ps 148, which contains prayers to sts!) 7. ‘Why do you claim in your faith a document that says you do not prohibit prayers for the “dead”, but then tell me to never pray them?’ 8. ‘How can be absolutely sure I recognize Christ at the 2nd Coming?’ (Answer, ‘You just will,’ was completely un-reassuring. Is that mercy?)

      Protestantism had no logical basis.

  15. i feel like the old testament is better to read than the new testament. Also why did Jacob have to bless both of John’s sons Ephraim and the other one. i forgot his name? I don’t get why he had to do that maybe you guys can explain that to me!

  16. Mireya Guerrero Batista

    My daughter is set in St. Albert the great for her confirmation name and feels very strongly about it. She also wants to keep his name as is and not take it in a female form. I understand some nuns have taken male saints as well but my daughter was told it has to be a female saint for her confirmation. Can you please help.

  17. Hi I’m 15 and I don’t want to get confirmed, my dad keeps telling me this is a terrible mistake but I intend to remain steadfast givin my problems with the Catholic Church, however I’m starting to doubt myself. I want to follow Gods laws exactly as in the bible but I don’t think that’s what the Catholic Church is about, I know my parents only want me to get confirmed because of my “obligations to the family” my dad even said I was breaking his heart when I told him I didn’t want to get confirmed, but I believe this is what I have to do for God, no matter how much it hurts.

    1. It’s not an easy situation to be in and I do feel for you and also for your dad who obviously has great faith and loves you.
      What is interesting is that you are very keen to follow the bible and the teachings but what’s holding you back is the individuals that you have encountered in the Church. This is the difficulty sometimes that we think that the people attending church should almost be perfect but actually quite often this is not the case and maybe some actually struggle more.
      It’s not wrong to challenge, so don’t feel guilty about this, as everyone at some point needs to challenge their faith and this is what can also make you stronger in your faith.
      I am going to say a prayer for you that you make the right decision for you.
      My daughter is also going through confirmation at the moment and she too has challenged and been unsure if she wants to do it. I said to her to put it in the hands of god and pray, he will never leave you unaided. Since saying that she has seemed much happier. God Bless.

    2. If you dont want to be confirmed you dont have to. Your parents cant make you get confirmed,not even the Pope. If you are not ready then you dont have to get confirmed. Although you have 1 year after the last confirmation class to get the sacrament. Wait any longer and you will have to atend all confirmation classes again, even if you know everything.

    3. Hi Michael, as a Father / Parent I was in a similar position when my daughter advised that she was not ready for this big step of confirmation, I allowed God to give her the wisdom but more importantly when she was ready to make a commitment as this is a life time journey, proud to say she got confirmed at a tender and matured age of eighteen and I thank God. Sometimes as parents we want what is best for our kids we just need to guide them and give them the time. Will continue to pray for you.

  18. SIL still crazy. We and my family received engraved “hold the date cards” for dinner after the confirmation and then engraved invitations. They are very confused how niece is having a confirmation at 7 pm, Saturday in a restaurant as SIL is not inviting anyone to ceremony, a week before the dinner. Is it normal to have a major dinner for the person being confirmed? Husband says that after his he and his parents went out to lunch with one set of his grandparents. Neither of us can remember his sister’s (SIL) confirmation and I we had been dating a couple of years then. I would have remembered it as it would have been the first time I went to church (instead his grandfather’s funeral was).

    We knew the date of the confirmation, but until he called her and asked she had not told him the time – and calling her is not easy as their phone broke last November and still is not fixed.

    Is any of what she is doing normal?

    1. Catholics aren”t baptized properky. It is down with the likeness of his death and raised to walk in newness of life. In other words submerged under water. Read mark 1:10. And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him.

  19. Does there have to be a parental consent for a minor age son is confirmed In The Catholic Church? My son who recently turned 16 years old was confirmed last weekend. He was baptized into a different religion- the same as his parents. He had his teenage girlfriend as his sponsor. We told him we did not support this at this time in his life but he took the classes and was confirmed. I have emailed the church but they will not reply to me.

    1. Why did you not support his decision to have his girlfriend as his sponsor. He obviously plans that he will be with his girlfriend for a decent sum of time and that she will help him be a very good Christian.

    2. Wow that doesn’t seem right to me. I do not believe a minor can make those decisions. If he was baptised under a different religion he would have to be rebaptised into the Catholic Religion. Unless they lied about it. Which makes the confirmation voided automatically. If you can not get a response from that Church try asking a different one, see what they say. If no response send
      emails, letters, phone calls to the diocese for that church’s area. If that fails a response. Do you have a local news station that does news stories about stuff like this ( scams, businesses over charging, etc.) Don’t give up. Because I am sorry but this is wrong. And if they allow a minor to do this with another minor helping and if they did lie. Not good.

      1. You receive one baptism. If someone is baptized in one Faith and converts to another, they are not baptized again. Baptism isn’t an initiation into a single religion, but the acceptance into the Christian church.

        I am not entirely sure what the concern with joining a church at age 16 is, it is not a legal commitment and doesn’t require a financial obligation therefore doesn’t seem to be breaking any laws here. It’s not marriage…

  20. Husband was born, raised, baptized, first communion and confirmed RC. He goes to mass on Christmas and Easter. He has taken communion once in the 42 years I have known him, never went to confession.

    He has a very small family. His sister has 2 adopted daughters. When the first one was baptized he told her that he could not sign the baptism papers with all the info about regular church attendance and crossed same off before signing figuring he would be rejected as godfather. He was accepted and we were never sure how. She asked me to be godmother and insisted I could although I am Jewish and I told her that kept me from same and very annoyed finally found someone to be same.

    Second daughter she insisted to my husband that there was no paperwork for him to be godfather (we think she filled in the paperwork both times and forged his name) and found some customer of her husband’s to be godmother – and she missed the ceremony.

    Now older niece is to be confirmed and she is po’d at husband as he will not fill in and sign the paper that he is qualified to be her sponsor since as we read it, he is not as he only attends church twice a year and does not take communion or make confession. She has no one else and her church is giving her a hard time about this saying that it has to be family member or close friend. Her husband is also Jewish and they have no friends.

    What happens in a situation like this? We are afraid that she has again filled in and forged the paperwork and husband will refuse to sponsor his niece as he does not want to lie to God. He also will not/cannot take communion if that is required as sponsor as it has been so long since he went to confession.

    It is tearing him and his sister apart – they are their only family other than their spouses and her children (and spouses families. He is now telling me that maybe we should just not go.

    We are in the USA.

      1. Sad sad sad. This is why so many now stray from Catholicism. My neigew asked me to be his sponsor for his confirmation. I never made mine only baptism and first communion. I go to church every Sunday at a Christian church and my pastor would confirm me. I was told by my nephews Catholic Church or religion coordinator it was not accepted. God is God. The belief is the same. I’m very disgusted about this. I understand.

      2. Oh and I am my other nephews God parent which I just read are supposed to have received all three sacraments. Well I have received two of them but that slide by somehow?

        1. Holy Eucharist is very different in the Catholic Church as one receives the body and blood, soul and divinity of Jesus. Also, Confirmation in the Catholic Church is celebrated by a Bishop, who can trace his roots (for lack of better explanation), to the apostles

    1. They have to be at an appropriate age like 13-18 at a young mature age. I got confirmed when I was 13 almost 14.

  21. I was baptised, made my holly communion but didnt take it any further. Am now at the age of 24 making my comfamation, i spoke to my priest of my parish about this he was very happy that i wanted to take this step iv been attending meetings to prepare myself for this commitment and i honestly can say i can not wait and am excited :).

  22. i been baptized and did my first communion but not confirmation getting married catholic church in august this year that’s 5 months away I live in florida it’s been a year now but marrying in ohio I was told I have to be confirmated how do I go about doing this when im getting married in 5 months?

    1. Visit a roman catholic church in the area where you live and they will be able to help you prepare for the sacrament of confirmation.

  23. Is it a pre requisite that a parent must attend a recollection before his or her child can have a confirmation rites? I am catholic but i don’t read which book in the bible says that a child cannot have confirmation if the parents don’t attend recollection.

  24. I am seriously confused. I had to transfer my kids to a different church. My son is doing his Confirmation this year. My sister is his God mother from baptism, my confirmation Godmother & my nieces confirmation Godmother. All 3 instances she has been married through city hall with the same man. She is not married through the church because he is not Catholic. But my sister is bringing up her children in the Catholic Church. I am not understanding why all of a sudden it’s a problem for her to be a sponsor him. Aren’t the rules suppose to be unified? I don’t get it. My son refuses to do his confirmation with some stranger. I understand him. What purpose does it serve, if this stranger won’t be able to be there for him & teach him anything. Please help me understand & make some logic of all this.

    1. Olga, first of all, changing the kids from one program to another, is not a solution to your dilemma, what this creates is more confusion and the loss of enthusiasm in your kids to get confirmed. about the sponsor, the fact that your Sister is not married is not necessarily the issue, the sponsor for Sacraments is someone that is active in the Church, is not enough to have raise your kids catholics, the Church wants to ensure that the person sponsoring the confirmed is someone who lives an active Catholic christian (goes to church, etc) and that is going to be a good role model for the person being confirmed, if this is the case of your Sister all you have to do is go and talk to the person in charge of the program and explain, them your situation. Don’t be upset about it, it just makes things worse for you and your kid.

        1. It’s the most consistent in almost every detail. The problem lies more in poor educating of the Catholic lay people and misunderstandings. When Saul was converted and became Paul he was feared and distrusted by the early Christians because he previously was huniting them down to persecute them. Once another known Christian in the community (I’m sorry I forgot his name) stood up and vouched that he was indeed a believer now and could be trusted, did others accept him. That was the 1st recorded sponsor! As for a non Catholic being the godmother that is not uncommon. Church law only requires one practicing Catholic and the other can be a “Christian witness” my daughters God father isn’t Catholic but was someone we admired spiritually but even if he was Catholic he wouldn’t be her sponsor because they should be of the same gender as well.

      1. I wouldn’t say “Catholic and Christian” in the same sentence. This is not true. I am a practicing Christian and I am not allowed to be a sponsor without being a practicing Catholic. I can’t even get confirmed in a Christian church and have it count.

  25. Question: To be Confirmed, do I have to be in a valid marriage? I am married to a non-Catholic that has never been baptized. We were not married by the church. Will we need to get our marriage validated first? I started my journey to confirmation a month ago since I have been away from the church for 12+ years.

    1. your marriage may not need validation depending on your circumstances you should speak to your priest about that. You may also need to receive absolution through the Sacrament of reconciliation for staying away for so long, missing mass etc. But you should be able to be confirmed without convalidation.

      Good Luck and may the Lord continually strengthen, comfort, protect you.

  26. Hey I’m currently 17 I’m going through preparation of receiving my confirmation and will receive it around may next year. But I suspect I may be prpregnant should I wait to do it. Or does that cancel the chance of doing it?

    1. Ina-May Rose Marlene Constable

      Congrats on your pregnancy it is wonderful to be a mother. However, I believe that you will be told to wait until after the baby is born. If you are not married, you will have to go to confession and discuss this situation with the priest. It also means that you have had sexual relations, and you know God created that act for married persons, then if you are married that is fine . Go have a chat with the priest he will lead you to recieve the Holy Spirit. God just gave you that beautiful gift of conception, do look after yourself and God’s gem that is growing in you. Stay close to God.

  27. Hi I received my holy communion when I was 19yrs old,but have believed in the catholic faith my whole life, when I fell pregnant stopped goin to church,I have been married afew years now,and my husband,daughter and I got baptised together the next day,I’m just curious about how to go about receiving bread again? My daughter is now in the process if getting her holy communion and would love to do it with her,I was told all I need to do is go through confession?

    1. Talk to your priest or parish RCIA director, they may want you to do a bit more. You will definitely need to go to Reconciliation. But please do not let that be the reason for not going to Mass. Remember, you can always go to Mass, and then go up for a blessing by crossing your hands across your heart.

  28. hi, im 49 years old i have been baptized and had my 1st communion, but since that time i have drifted away from that church and havent had communion in many years .in this time i still have kept my feeling toward the faith ,never doubting jesus or his teachings ,but i never have been confirmed .id like to do it but as an adult i really dont know how to go about it etc . , but i feel something telling me to do it and id like to learn whatever there is that the church teaches during the process of getting confirmed . id like to know peoples opinion on my interest now that i havent attend church in years ,not receiving communion or going to confession in years etc.. can anyone tell me how long it takes for an adult to become confirmed in my situation ,i was going to call my local diocese and ask where i could go to do this , im very intrigued in picking a name of a saint ,is their a web site with the listing of all the saints and what they did so i can pick the saint id like to chose as my name .i hope you understand were im coming from and i look forward to hearing from you with answers im searching for ,thank you and god bless

    1. Keith,

      I totally understand where you are coming from!
      I am soon to be 53 years old and am excited to say I will be Confirmed next month!
      I was baptized and received my first communion but never confirmed. Like you, I also felt a calling and a need to do this. Although, at times, I’ve regretted not being confirmed earlier in life, I love that it is happening now as I feel I am getting so much more out of the whole experience than I ever would have as a teenager.
      My recommendation is to find a local Catholic Church you are comfortable with by attending mass and then contact their Adult Christian Formation leader. My guess is you will then sign up for RCIA classes (The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults). Many churches begin classes in Aug. or in the fall, so you are just in time!
      You will not regret this decision and, most likely, will meet several others just like you. I have learned so much through the classes and have also formed great friendships. As part of one class, our RCIA group also participated in Reconciliation. This year was my first confession since my very first confession 46 years ago.
      I believe if you start classes soon, you may be confirmed during the Easter season! How awesome is that?
      Also, there is a list of all the Saints on Catholic.org You can search by name, your birthdate, . . .
      Good luck to you! Attend a mass or two this weekend (Sat. &/or Sun.) and find the church that fits you. I’ve heard so many people who have done this and are glad they did.
      I can’t wait for my Confirmation next month and I can only hope you’ll fell the same way!
      Peace be with you,

  29. My brother chosed me to be his daughters godmother but I haven’t done my first communion. I’ve been baptist as a child. Do I have to do my first communion?

  30. My 15 year old’s confirmation class requires that she pass a test before continuing to her second year of confirmation classes. She didn’t pass the test and they want her to take it again. She struggles in school, always has a tutor and my question is: is this a requirement of confirmation? Can she not be confirmed if she doesn’t pass this test?

    1. As a Director of Religious Education I will say that while we do take advantage of this opportunity (of Confirmation preparation) to help students develop a greater understanding of their faith, we would never turn away anyone who asked for the Sacrament, because they couldn’t pass an exam. However, because working toward this exam might well be a very valuable part of the preparation for many of the candidates, it falls on you to let those running the program know that your daughter has these challenges. I doubt they would want to do anything to make her feel inadequate. In our program I make it clear that if any aspect of our program proves to be an issue for anyone, they should be sure to let us know. I really mean that!

      As one of our priests (a Canon Lawyer) once said – we owe these students Confirmation by virtue of their baptism.

      1. Hi Annie, My daughter who is 15, is being confirmed soon. The problem is, we are not in a town where she has had a Catholic role model to sponsor her. -Can I, as her mother, sponsor her? We are in an area where unfortunately, the church is suffering…my daughter is literally, the only child in the church, with a very elderly population (and in another town from ours). If I cannot be her sponsor, does she in fact, need to be sponsored? -So many rules are changing. For example, the Bishop used to Confirm, but now it is our local priest, due to the declining attendance.

  31. I am 59 years old ( I live in the UK)and was baptized in to the Catholic Church as a baby but was never confirmed, I have been drawn back to attending Church for the last year, I am self employed so can take time to attend mass just about every morning in whatever town I am working in.
    I dont belong to any parish and attend many different churches, I dont take communion as I have not been confirmed and I would dearly love to be able to do so.
    As someone who does not have a regular Church and belongs to no parish what are my options.

    1. First of all – WELCOME HOME!!!!!!!!! YAYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!

      As I understand it, if you are a Catholic who is not in a state of mortal sin, you can receive the Eucharist – confirmed or not. However, I would go to Confession first soas to be sure there aren’t any unconfessed mortal sins on your soul – that includes missing Mass on Sunday. If you haven’t been in a while, there are often confessions before Mass – you could go then. Or confession times will be listed on the bulletin. You can usually find confession guides by the confessional or online. It’s best to examine your conscience beforehand – I like to write things down so I don’t try to wiggle out of confessing everything. If you can’t examine your conscience ahead of time, though, go ahead and go in and tell the priest that you’d like to go to confession, but it has been x long and and you don’t know what you’re doing or what to confess. He’ll help you. Ask him to be sure, but I’m pretty positive that if you are a baptized Catholic over the age of 7, you’re sorry for your sins and you’ve confessed all of the mortal sins on your soul, you can receive the Eucharist. Confirmed or not.

      As far as being confirmed goes – wait and grab ahold of a priest after Mass at any Catholic Church, or call the church and talk to him. Or mention it during confession and he’ll tell you what to do. It doesn’t matter if you are not a member of that or any particular parish – when you are baptized and confirmed into the Catholic faith, it is into Catholicism – not a particular parish. Catholic means universal. The priest will tell you where to go from there and make help you arrangements that will fit your needs. He’ll guide you through the process.

      Once again, welcome home!!! I’ll keep you in my prayers.

    1. An annulment is the catholic way of ending a marriage; it has nothing to do with entering the catholic faith.

      1. As a point of clarity, annulments do not end marriage, but rather they declare that the marriage had never been valid, and therefore never existed in the first place.

  32. Does someone who is to be a Godparent need to be Catholic? They have been baptized in water under Father, Son and Holy Spirit. But not under Catholic.

  33. You may want to update your information to include that you must now pass a written and oral exam to be confirmed otherwise you may not be allowed to be confirmed.

    1. Lucy, this may not be applicable every where. I know in the Diocese of Covington where I have prepared 8th graders for Confirmation for many years there is no such written or oral exam required for Confirmation.

      1. I think it’s applicable because if we do not examine u, how can we know that, u really know what u are partaking on

        1. My take on this is that once we get confirmed it is a life long journey and continue to deepen our Faith and live the way Jesus would want us to live, so no exam should determine weather or not we should get confirmed.

  34. Thank you, I am preparing an 81 year old lady with not much English and unwell, through the RCIA programme and your answers are short and simple and this will help me to pass on the crux of the matter to her. Thanks
    E

  35. Curiius why Catholics refer to the gifts of the Holy Spirit as referenced in the Old Testament rather than the gifts of the spirit as stated in Corinthians?

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